Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal will not be afraid of the problem of dealing with Inter Milan within the semi-finals of the Champions League, insisting he “left the worry within the park in Mataro a very long time in the past”.
Mataro is the Catalonian city through which Yamal grew up when spending time along with his father earlier than he was snapped up by Barca and moved to La Masia.
His progress thereafter has been exceptional and the 17-year-old will make his a centesimal Barca look in opposition to Inter at Camp Nou within the first leg of their last-four tie tomorrow night time. Within the first 99, he has scored 21 objectives and supplied 27 assists.
Talking right this moment, the winger stated: “At my age, few gamers have performed so many video games in a membership like Barça and that’s what I worth most. Enjoying at this stage and in a membership like Barça, not simply anybody can do it.”
Confidence not an issue for bullish Yamal
His fearless strategy will not be solely displayed in the best way he performs, but additionally the arrogance he tasks to the media.
“I left the worry within the park in Mataró a very long time in the past,” he stated, earlier than additionally dismissing ideas the magnitude of the stage he now occupies beings extra strain.
🎙️ LAMINE YAMAL: “I left worry behind in Mataró a very long time in the past.”#BarçaInter @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/BbzVM2rBJo
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 29, 2025
Yamal performed in Saturday’s tempestuous Copa del Rey last in opposition to Actual Madrid in Seville- which Barca received 3-2 in additional time – and can begin tomorrow in opposition to Inter.
He added: “I wouldn’t name it strain. An environment like that of the cup last, with the 2 rivals, you must exit and luxuriate in it. I don’t put strain on myself, simply benefit from the second and provides it your all. I’d like to stay it once more.”
Critics don’t matter so long as Barcelona are profitable
Yamal dyed his hair blond earlier than the Madrid recreation and seems to be getting extra accustomed to his celebrity standing.
That doesn’t imply he’s shedding focus, nevertheless.
He stated of his critics: “So long as I win, they will’t inform me something. Once we don’t win, sure.”
On his new bleached look, and his elevated exercise on social media, he added: “I do these issues to make time cross quicker. I do these items as a result of I get bored at house. That’s it.”
Saturday’s win over Madrid was massively satisfying for the Blaugrana however boss Hansi Flick says the celebrations are executed and their focus is educated totally on Inter.
The German stated: “We’ve had a gathering to see what we have now to do and the way we will enhance by watching the sport in opposition to Actual Madrid.
“We’ve to provide our greatest model in each video games in opposition to Inter.
“We’re going to place the deal with the primary leg first. Inter is a really difficult rival, with top-of-the-line defences in Europe. They’ve an excellent midfield and robust forwards. Transitions are very harmful. It is going to be a troublesome recreation and you must be ready.
“We’ve talked about what we have now to alter. We’ve to guard and canopy areas. It is very important have possession, make few errors and defend nicely.”
Flick confirmed Wojciech Szczesny will proceed in purpose with Marc-Andre Ter Stegen lacking out.
